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The Day The Banjo Dies from Roni Stoneman

Roni Stoneman has released a single from her upcoming bluegrass album, which answers the autobiographical question, “Have you ever thought about retiring?”

Written by her long time guitarist, Ronnie Buff, The Day The Banjo Dies makes it plenty clear that Roni doesn’t plan on slowing down any time soon. She’s been working as a professional entertainer for most of her 76 years, starting as a young girl performing with the Stoneman Family, through a popular stint on Hee Haw in the 1960s, and a successful solo career since mixing comedy and traditional music with her own band.

And always with her banjo, which has been with her from the start, played in a 3-finger Scruggs style.

Buff tells us that they have rushed a single into production based on the strong reception the song has been receiving at live appearances this past few weeks. He says that audiences always respond positively to Roni’s banjo numbers, but that there was something special about this song that people are reacting to.

“They love the message that the banjo and bluegrass music will never die, and their enthusiasm for the song really makes me feel good.”

While the full album won’t be offered until next year, Roni has made The Day The Banjo Dies available as a digital single, which can be purchased now from CD Baby, iTunes, and other popular download sites. Radio programmers can download a copy from Airplay Direct.

About the Author

John Lawless

John had served as primary author and editor for The Bluegrass Blog from its launch in 2006 until being folded into Bluegrass Today in September of 2011. He continues in that capacity here, managing a strong team of columnists and correspondents.